JP2004018132A - Sorting device for dust control product - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To save labor and personnel expenses, and reduce running costs by efficiently using energy irrespective of the volume of a product load, in a sorting device for dust control products. <P>SOLUTION: A rail 4 is laid along a storing station S2 divided into a plurality of sorting positions, and a self-propelled sorting vehicle V mounted with a drive device such as an electric motor is positioned for travel on the rail 4. The sorting vehicle V comprises a platform 5 with a product ejection mechanism such as a trigger lock mechanism, and a controller for controlling a product ejecting action of the platform 5 so that a dust control product such as a mat M is ejected in a sorting position corresponding to an input sorting position signal. Preferably, a monorail 4 is laid, and a straddle type self-propelled sorting vehicle V is positioned on the monorail 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for automatically sorting dust control products such as rental mats and rental mops.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Dirty dust control products collected from distributors or customers at cleaning factories for rental dust control products need to be sorted by product type before cleaning.However, in many cleaning plants, workers inspect and inspect each product type. At present, sorting is performed manually.
[0003]
For such manual sorting work, for example, at a pickup place for mail or parcel delivery, a transport mechanism including a transport chain, a transport belt or a transport roller is laid along a plurality of sorting spaces, and a large number of trays are provided. Various types of devices have been developed for automatically sorting by setting a carrier such as the above on the transport mechanism, driving all the carriers simultaneously by driving the transport mechanism, and opening the carrier in a predetermined sorting space.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
When inspecting and sorting manually, labor and labor costs are required, and when sorting dirty products, dust and dirt from mats and mop are exposed to workers. As a result, a problem arises in terms of environmental hygiene, and a cost for preparing dustproof clothes or a dustproof mask as a sanitary measure is required.
[0005]
On the other hand, a transfer mechanism consisting of a transfer chain, etc. is laid along the sorting space, and a large number of loading platforms are mounted on the transfer mechanism. Must be driven, resulting in inefficient use of energy and high operating costs. In addition, if a failure occurs in the transport mechanism, the entire transport mechanism must be stopped and repaired until the repair is completed, and maintenance is time-consuming.
[0006]
[Object of the invention]
An object of the present invention is to reduce labor and human rights costs by using a self-propelled loading platform in a dust control product sorting device, to efficiently use energy regardless of the amount of product input, and to reduce operating costs. Is to reduce.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a dust control product sorting apparatus according to claim 1 of the present application is a self-propelled sorting and transporting vehicle having a driving device mounted with rails laid along sorting stations partitioned into a plurality of sorting positions. The sorting and transporting vehicle is provided with a product release mechanism, and a controller that controls the product release mechanism to discharge the dust control product at the sorting position corresponding to the input sorting position signal. It is characterized by having.
[0008]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the dust control product sorting apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the dust control product is provided with an ID chip on which an individual identification code is written, and the dust control product is provided on a transfer path of a self-propelled sorting and transporting vehicle. A reader for reading an individual identification code of an ID chip of a product and a transmitting device for transmitting a sorting position signal to a self-propelled sorting and conveying vehicle based on the individual identification code read by the reader are arranged.
[0009]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the dust control product sorting apparatus according to the first or second aspect, a monorail is laid as a rail, and a straddle-type self-propelled sorting and transporting vehicle is mounted on the monorail. Features.
[0010]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the dust control product sorting apparatus according to the first or second aspect, a pair of rails are laid along both sides of the sorting station as rails, and the self-propelled sorting carrier is mounted on the pair of rails. It is characterized by being placed on
[0011]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIGS. 1 to 6 show a monorail type sorting apparatus to which the present invention is applied. In a factory for cleaning and processing rental dust control products such as rental mats and rental mops, a dirty mat and the like collected from each agency or customer are cleaned. This is installed to sort by product type before the cleaning process. In the following description, in order to clarify each direction, the traveling direction (transport F direction) is referred to as front, and the direction opposite to the transport F direction is referred to as rear with respect to the sorted transport vehicle V. The left and right sides of the transport vehicle V will be referred to as left and right directions.
[0012]
[Self-propelled sorting and transport vehicle]
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a straddle-type self-propelled sorting and transporting vehicle V used in a monorail type sorting device. A rotating support extending in a direction substantially right (rightward) with respect to the transporting F direction is provided on the upper surface of the vehicle body 1. The shaft 2 is rotatably supported via a pair of bearings 3, and a plate-like carrier 5 extending horizontally rearward is fixed to the rotation support shaft 2. A trigger-type locking mechanism 6 is provided as a product release mechanism at a portion of the rotation support shaft 2 between the bearings 3. The trigger-type locking mechanism 6 rotates the support shaft 5 so that the bed 5 is in a horizontal position. 2 is locked so that it cannot rotate, but when the lock is released, the loading platform 5 hangs down due to gravity, and the product on the loading platform 5 is discharged downward.
[0013]
An electric motor 8 is mounted on the left side of the vehicle body 1 as a driving device. The electric motor 8 is supplied with power from the monorail 4 or another power supply rail by a current collecting shoe (not shown) and is driven. .
[0014]
In order to control the operation of the electric motor 8 and the trigger type locking mechanism 6, a controller 16 is mounted on the upper surface of the vehicle body 1, and a receiver 17 with an antenna for receiving an external sorting position signal and each A detector 18 for detecting a sorting position is mounted, and the receiver 17 and the detector 18 are connected to a controller 16.
[0015]
In FIG. 4, which is a view taken in the direction of the arrow IV in FIG. 3 (rear view of the transport vehicle), the sorting transport vehicle V is mounted so as to straddle the monorail 4, and the drive wheel 10 connected to the output shaft 9 of the electric motor 8 is a monorail. 4 is in contact with the upper surface. As the wheels, the driving wheel 10, an upper auxiliary wheel 11 disposed rearwardly spaced from the driving wheel 10 and in contact with the upper surface of the monorail 4, a lower auxiliary wheel 12 in contact with the lower surface of the monorail 4, A guide wheel 14 is provided to be in contact with the left and right side surfaces of 4.
[0016]
5, a lower auxiliary wheel 12 is disposed between the drive wheel 10 and the upper auxiliary wheel 11 in the front-rear direction, and a pair of guide wheels 14 are disposed before and after the vehicle body 1, respectively. ing.
[0017]
At the front end of the sorting and transporting vehicle V, a cushion-type pressure switch 15 protrudes forward as an automatic stop mechanism. When the pressure switch 15 contacts an obstacle such as a sorting and transporting vehicle in front, the traveling stops. It has become. On the lower surface of the loading platform 5, there is provided a fin 19 having a downward slope which is used to push up the loading platform 5 in the hanging posture to a horizontal posture. The fins 19 also serve as reinforcing ribs.
[0018]
[Configuration of entire sorting device]
FIG. 1 is a plan view of the entire sorting apparatus, in which a monorail 4 is laid in an oblong shape to form a circulation type layout. On the monorail 4, a plurality of the sorting and transporting vehicles V are mounted. Each travels independently on the monorail 4 in the direction of transport F, sequentially goes from the loading station S1 to the sorting station S2 and the standby station S3, and returns to the loading station S1.
[0019]
The sorting station S2 is divided into a number of sorting positions in the transport F direction, and wagons W (W1, W2, W3,..., Wn,..., We) are arranged at the respective sorting positions. The loading platform 5 of the sorting and transporting vehicle V passes above. On the inner side of the monorail 4, sorting positions D (D1, D2, D3,..., Dn,..., De) each having a magnet or a light emitting body are arranged at positions corresponding to the respective sorting positions.
[0020]
At the entrance of the standby station S3, there is arranged a slope base 23 for pushing up the hanging platform 5 in a horizontal posture.
[0021]
A work table 30 and a lifter 31 are arranged in the loading station S1, a control panel 32 containing a computer is provided in the work table 30, and a recovery wagon 34 loaded with a dirty mat M is mounted on the lifter 31. ing. Each of the mats M has an embedded ID chip in which an individual identification code is written. A reader 35 for reading the individual identification code of the ID chip of the mat M and a transmitting device 36 for transmitting a sorting position signal to the sorting and transporting vehicle V are arranged on the transporting path on the transporting F direction side from the worktable 30. The reader 35 and the transmitting device 36 are connected to a computer in the control panel 32. The computer identifies the type of the mat based on the individual identification code read by the reader 35, selects a corresponding sorting position from the sorting positions set in advance for each type, and transmits it from the transmitting device 36 as a sorting position signal. Is programmed as For example, when the type of the mat is B1, it is set in advance so that it is released to the first sorting wagon W1 when the type is B2, to the second sorting wagon W2 when the type is B2, and to the Nth sorting wagon Wn when the type is Bn. Have been.
[0022]
FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing a part of the loading station S1 and a part of the sorting station S2. The work table 30 has a height at which the worker can easily transfer the mat M on the collection wagon 34 to the carrier 5 of the sorting and transporting vehicle V. The lifter 31 is set so that it can be raised from near the floor to the same height as the work table 30.
[0023]
A retractable stopper (cylinder) 38 is disposed at the loading station S1 at a position rearward of the leader 35 in the direction of conveyance F from the leader 35. The stopper 38 is located at an ascending position where the pressure switch 15 of the sorting conveyance vehicle V can contact. The pressure switch 15 can be extended and contracted to and from a lowered position through which the pressure switch 15 can pass, and can be turned on and off by a foot switch 40 provided on the work table 30.
[0024]
[Action]
(1) In FIG. 2, the worker on the worktable 30 takes out one dirty mat M from the collection wagon 34 and places it on the loading platform 5 of the sorting and transporting vehicle V stopped at the loading station S1. At this time, the sorting and transporting vehicle V is stopped because the cushion type switch 15 is in contact with the stopper 38 at the ascending position.
[0025]
(2) When the worker turns on the foot switch 40 for the stopper, the stopper 38 is lowered, and the sorting and transporting vehicle V starts traveling in the transport F direction.
[0026]
(3) When the loading platform 5 passes through the reader 35, the individual identification code of the ID chip of the mat M is read by the reader 35, input to the computer, and corresponding to the type recognized based on the individual identification code. The set sorting position signal (for example, a number indicating the number of the sorting position) is output to the transmitting device 36.
[0027]
(4) When the loading platform 5 passes near the transmitting device 36, the sorting position signal is received by the receiver 17 shown in FIG.
[0028]
(5) In FIG. 2, after the sorting and transporting vehicle V enters the sorting space S2, the detector 18 detects the magnetic force or the light beam of each sorting position marker D and counts it. When the count number corresponding to the sorting position signal is reached, the locking of the loading platform 5 by the trigger-type locking mechanism 6 of FIG. 3 is released, and the loading platform 5 rotates in a hanging state by gravity, and as shown in FIG. Is dropped into a designated sorting position (for example, the second sorting wagon W2). The operation of dropping and supplying the mat M is performed without stopping the sorting and transporting vehicle V.
[0029]
(6) The sorting conveyance vehicle V after the drop supply continues to travel in the conveyance F direction, and proceeds to the standby station S3.
[0030]
(7) In the standby station S3, the fin 19 of the loading platform 5 comes into contact with the slope platform 23 as shown in FIG. 6, so that the loading platform 5 is automatically pushed up, and is automatically triggered when returning to the horizontal state. The mechanism 6 is locked in a horizontal position.
[0031]
(8) In FIG. 1, after the loading platform 5 is returned to the horizontal position, the vehicle further advances in the waiting station S3, and stops when the pressure switch 15 contacts the preceding vehicle.
[0032]
Each sorting transport vehicle V is started from the loading station S1 at intervals of, for example, 3 to 5 seconds, travels at the sorting station S2 at the same speed, and releases the mat M at the designated sorting position to reach the standby station S2.
[0033]
When a monorail is used as in this embodiment, the entire sorting apparatus can be made compact, and even if the curvature radius of the curve of the rail is narrowed, there is no difference between the inner and outer wheels, so that the smooth traveling of the transport vehicle can be achieved. Can be secured and the degree of freedom in rail layout is expanded.
[0034]
Further, when the sorting and transporting vehicle breaks down, only the transporting vehicle needs to be removed from the rail for repair, and it is not necessary to stop the entire sorting apparatus for a long time.
[0035]
Second Embodiment of the Invention
FIGS. 7 and 8 show an example in which a pair of parallel rails 45 and a four-wheeled sorting and conveying vehicle V are used. The pair of parallel rails 45 are arranged along the left and right sides of the sorting wagon W, and vertical guide walls 45a are integrally provided upright.
[0036]
In the sorting and transporting vehicle V, a plate-shaped carrier 47 is disposed in a rectangular frame 46, and the front end of the carrier 47 is rotatably supported by the frame 46 via a pivot 48. The rear end is releasably supported by a trigger locking mechanism 50 provided on the frame 46.
[0037]
The frame 46 has running wheels 51 at the four corners and guide wheels 52 on the left and right ends of the front and rear ends. The running wheels 51 abut on the upper surface of the rail 45, and the guide wheels 52 abut on the guide walls 45a. An electric motor 53 connected to the rear wheel 51 or the front wheel 51 is provided as a driving device. A controller 55, a receiver 56 for receiving the sorting position signal, and a detector 57 for detecting the sorting position, which have functions similar to those of the first embodiment, are mounted.
[0038]
As shown in FIG. 9, the trigger type locking mechanism 50 rotatably provides a stopper 58 for locking the rear end of the loading platform 47, and the rear end of the stopper 58 is connected to a rod 61 built in a solenoid 60. When the solenoid 60 is energized, the rod 61 is retracted, the catch 58 is released, and the lock of the carrier 47 is released. A push-down fin 19 is provided on the lower surface of the loading platform 47 so as to fall downward.
[0039]
The operation of the second embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, and is divided into the charging station S1, the sorting station S2, and the standby station S3 as described with reference to FIGS. 9 on a predetermined sorting position (sorting wagon W), the stopper 58 of FIG. 9 is released, and the loading platform 47 is moved downward around the rotation support shaft 48 by gravity as indicated by an imaginary line. It rotates and discharges the mat M downward.
[0040]
Other Embodiments of the Invention
(1) In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a magnet or a luminous body is used as the sorting position indicator D arranged at each sorting position, the sorting position indicator D is counted by the detector, and the sorting position signal is output to the sorting position signal. A method to recognize the specified sorting position by the corresponding count number is adopted, but an ID lip reader is mounted as a detector mounted on the sorting transport vehicle, and an ID chip is arranged as a sorting position indicator D and designated. It is also possible to release the mat when the ID chip of the sorting position marker D is recognized. In addition, various identification marks such as bar codes can be applied as the sorting position marks.
[0041]
(2) The sorting apparatus of FIG. 1 is used in a step of sorting dirty dust control products by type before cleaning processing, and is used in a step of picking a mat for each agent or customer after the cleaning processing, for example. It is also possible. Further, it can be used for sorting or picking mop for rental.
[0042]
(3) As a power supply for the drive device of the sorting and transporting vehicle, a battery can be mounted in addition to the method of supplying power from the rail as described above.
[0043]
(4) As the structure of the carrier, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 or FIGS. 7 and 8, in addition to the structure of rotating the carrier so as to open backward in the transport F direction, (A right angle direction). Further, the product release mechanism is not limited to the trigger type locking mechanism.
[0044]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention as described above,
(1) A rail is laid along a sorting station divided into a plurality of sorting positions, and a self-propelled sorting and transporting vehicle equipped with a driving device is mounted on the rail so as to be able to travel freely, and the sorting and transporting vehicle has a product release mechanism. Since it has a loading platform and a controller that controls the product release mechanism so that the dust control product is released at the sorting position corresponding to the input sorting position signal, it is possible to operate the sorting and transporting vehicle according to the amount of product input. It is not necessary to always drive the entire transport mechanism, even when the product input amount is small, as in the conventional chain, belt or roller type sorting and transporting device. This improves energy use efficiency and reduces operating costs. Can be.
[0045]
Further, even if a problem occurs in the sorting and transporting vehicle, it is only necessary to remove and repair the transporting vehicle alone, and it is not necessary to stop the entire transporting mechanism during the repair, and maintenance is easy.
[0046]
As a matter of course, labor and human rights costs can be reduced as compared with the conventional manual operation, and environmental health management can be facilitated.
[0047]
(2) An ID chip on which an individual identification code is written is attached to the dust control product, and a reader that reads the individual identification code of the ID chip of the dust control product, and a sorting position signal is self-propelled based on the individual identification code read by the reader. If a transmitting device for transmitting to the sorting and transporting vehicle is provided, the inspection and sorting can be performed reliably without the operator touching the hand. In particular, in the case of dust control products, by reducing opportunities for workers to touch the products, it is possible to reduce the deterioration of the working environment due to dust and mud coming out of the products, and it is also possible to reduce costs for environmental measures such as dustproof clothing.
[0048]
(3) If a monorail is laid as a rail and a straddle-type self-propelled sorting and transporting vehicle is mounted on the monorail, the entire sorting device can be compactly arranged, and there is no difference between the inner and outer wheels. Even if the radius of curvature of the rail is reduced, the sorting and transporting vehicle can keep running smoothly, and the degree of freedom in the layout of the rail is increased.
[0049]
(4) A pair of rails is laid along both sides of the sorting station as rails, and when a self-propelled sorting and transporting vehicle is placed on the pair of rails, heavy dust control products can be transported in a stable state. And can be sorted.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a dust control product sorting apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical sectional view of the vicinity of a charging station in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a monorail sorting and transporting vehicle.
FIG. 4 is a view taken in the direction of the arrow IV in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory view showing a step of automatically returning the carrier to a horizontal posture.
FIG. 7 is a plan view of a four-wheel sorting and transporting vehicle that travels on a pair of rails according to another embodiment of the sorting and transporting vehicle.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line IX-IX of FIG. 7, showing an example of the trigger type locking mechanism.
[Explanation of symbols]
W Sorting wagon V Self-propelled sorting carrier D Sorting position marker 4 Monorail 5 Carrier 6 Trigger type locking mechanism (an example of product release mechanism)
8 Electric motor (drive device)
10 drive wheel 16 controller 17 receiver (receiver)
18 Detector (detection device)
Reference Signs List 30 work table 32 control panel 35 with built-in computer 35 leader 36 transmitting device 45 pair of rails 46 carrier 50 trigger type locking mechanism (an example of product release mechanism)
53 Electric motor (drive device)
51 wheel 55 controller 56 receiver (receiver)
57 detector (detection device)

Claims (4)

Rails are laid along sorting stations divided into multiple sorting positions,
A self-propelled sorting and transporting vehicle equipped with a drive device is mounted on the rail so that it can travel freely,
A dust control product, comprising: a loading platform having a product release mechanism, and a controller that controls a product release mechanism to discharge a dust control product at a sorting position corresponding to an input sorting position signal. Sorting equipment. A dust control product sorting apparatus according to claim 1,
The dust control product has an ID chip with an individual identification code written on it,
A reader that reads the individual identification code of the ID chip of the dust control product on the transport path of the self-propelled sorting and transporting vehicle, and a transmission that transmits a sorting position signal to the self-propelled sorting and transporting vehicle based on the individual identification code read by the reader. Sorting device for dust control products, characterized in that the device is arranged. The dust control product sorting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
A dust control product sorting device, characterized in that a monorail is laid as a rail and a straddle-type self-propelled sorting and transporting vehicle is mounted on the monorail. The dust control product sorting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
Laying a pair of rails along both sides of the sorting station as rails,
A sorting apparatus for dust control products, wherein a self-propelled sorting and transporting vehicle is mounted on the pair of rails.

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